$1,026 Movers From Detroit to Buffalo

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to Buffalo, NY averages from $347 to $5,284 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Detroit moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Buffalo, NY.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Buffalo to Detroit guide.

Moving from Detroit to Buffalo resources

Moving 255 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Buffalo?

Detroit movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,026 - $3,463 $693 - $1,669 $341 - $626
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,935 - $5,284 $1,258 - $2,474 $347 - $684
4+ bedrooms $2,512 - $7,099 $1,592 - $2,857 $456 - $840
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 255 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Detroit to Buffalo will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to Buffalo?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Buffalo will cost between $1,026 to $3,463. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,935 to $5,284, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Buffalo will cost from $2,512 to $7,099.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Buffalo?

Moving containers from Detroit to Buffalo will cost you $693 to $1,669 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,258 to $2,474. A larger home will cost $1,592 to $2,857.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Buffalo?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $341 to $626. A larger move will cost $347 to $684, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Buffalo costs from $456 to $840. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Detroit to Buffalo moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to Buffalo is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Detroit to Buffalo.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Buffalo

Cost of living: Detroit vs Buffalo

Detroit Buffalo
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,200
Average home value $65,800 $213,418
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $63,443
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,022
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $3,645
Unemployment rate 10.0% 9.5%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.75%
State Income Tax 4.25% 10.9%
  • Rent prices are the same in Buffalo and Detroit.
  • Home prices in Buffalo are 224.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Buffalo is 82.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 5.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 9.2% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 5.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Buffalo are 45.83% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Buffalo are 156.47% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,164.09 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Buffalo?

Buffalo Detroit
Population 278,349 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 7
Walkability score 67 51
Bike friendliness score 63 52
Crime Index 8.0 55.84
Safety Index 53.55 25.97
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Buffalo's population is about 56% less than Detroit.
  • Buffalo's public transportation has a similar score to Detroit.
  • Buffalo is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Buffalo is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 63 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Buffalo's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 8.0 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Buffalo is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 53.55 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Buffalo

  • Weather: Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather. .
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: New York is one of the busiest moving states in the country, and local and intrastate moving companies operating within the Empire State are regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Buffalo. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.28 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917

Visit our best long distance movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Buffalo

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Buffalo.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Allentown
  • Delaware District
  • Lower West Side
  • Elmwood Strip
  • Downtown
  • Parkside
  • West Side
  • North Park
  • First Ward

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Williamsville
  • Clarence Center
  • Eggertsville
  • Harris Hill
  • East Aurora
  • Kenmore
  • Grandyle Village
  • Billington Heights
  • Rapids
  • Lancaster

What to do in Buffalo

These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
  • Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Canalside
  • Buffalo City Hall
  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
  • KeyBank Center
  • Pierce-Arrow Museum
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
  • Sahlen Field
  • Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Get your sports on!

Buffalo is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Buffalo Bandits
  • Buffalo Beauts‎
  • Buffalo Bills (AAFC)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (AHL)‎
  • Buffalo Bisons (minor league)‎
  • Canisius Golden Griffins‎
  • Columbus Destroyers

FAQs about moving from Detroit to Buffalo

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Buffalo?

The best time to move from Detroit to Buffalo is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 81ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF in Buffalo.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Buffalo?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to Buffalo in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Buffalo